Sharing Success

I recently had Lasik surgery performed on my rather blind eyes, and I have to tell you all it was truly a great experience. I was lucky enough to win my surgical procedure by entering my business card in a drawing that the TLC Eye Centers held at the Padres game. I was walking past the booth that they had set up at Petco Park, and one of their staff members asked me if I would like to enter a drawing for a Lasik procedure. I never win anything, but I entered anyway. I was in Florida when TLC called my Restaurant and left a message for me that I had won the drawing. Upon returning to work, I immediately called to see what the prize entailed. I assumed it was a free consultation, but the enthusiasm I was met with on the phone convinced me otherwise. I had actually won FREE LASIK SURGERY! I went in for my consultation, and was greeted by the friendliest staff I have ever encountered. I was treated like a celebrity, and congratulated by everyone in the office. The consultation went well, and I was informed that my corneas were strong enough to go ahead with the procedure. I have worn glasses and/or contacts since I was 13 years old, and I am now 41 years old (A young 41, I would like to think). The prospect of having perfect vision after all these years was very exciting, and I could not wait to get it done.

I scheduled my surgery for the soonest day possible with my busy schedule, I run two restaurants: One in Del Mar, and one in La Jolla. I was told to wear my glasses for two weeks, so my eyes could get used to not having the contact lenses on them. This brought about some light-hearted teasing at work, but I just smiled knowing I would soon have perfect vision. When the day of my surgery finally came (It was only two weeks of waiting, but it seemed a lot longer due to my anticipation), I had my friend drive me to the eye center as directed. The entire procedure was handled in the most professional manner, and every effort was made to make sure I was completely informed of every aspect of the procedure. The expert staff made sure I was comfortable, and I couldn't wait to finally get my eyes perfect! The surgery itself only took about 30 seconds per eye, and before I knew it I was done and in the waiting room. I could instantly see clearer than I had in over twenty years, I was completely amazed at the results! I went home that day, and relaxed with my dark glasses on. There was some mild discomfort, and I had a series of eye drops to apply every few hours. I could not believe the difference in my vision, it was immediate, and the world was in focus. I could see every detail-up close, and far away. The most dramatic difference has been at night, I drive to and from the restaurants mostly after the sun has set. My night vision used to be so bad that I was nervous to drive, even with my contacts in. Now I can see every detail, every sign, every car on the road. This alone has changed my life in a big way, and made me feel a lot more safe. I tossed out my glasses, contacts, and contact solution the other day, and the reality of my perfect vision has finally set in. When I go to bed, I no longer need to take out my contacts, and when I wake up I can immediately see the world around me without going through the daily ritual of putting my contacts onto my sore, sleepy eyes.

I can't thank the TLC center enough, not only for my new perfect vision, but also for the professionalism with which my procedure was handled. From start to finish, I felt like I was in good hands, and I wish I had done this years ago! I whole-heartedly recommend Lasik to anyone with vision problems, the results are truly amazing, and the staff was awesome!

Johnny Mack